James Daniel Stoll

Danny Stoll of Acworth, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Danny was born December 20, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Rachel Virginia Williamson and the late Charles Maynor.

Danny is survived by his mother, Rachel Williamson Reynolds. of Acworth; his wife Rene Stoll of Acworth; his sons Jonathan Stoll of Austin, Texas, and Joshua Stoll of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughter Emma Stoll of Acworth; his brother Kevin Stoll of Tokyo, Japan; extended family members Steve Hardy of Atlanta, Georgia, Jim Hardy and his wife Phyllis of Fort Worth, Texas, and Lisa Todd and her husband Mike of Allen, Texas; nieces and nephews Joseph Hardy, Ben Hardy, Chloe Hardy, Noah Hardy, Alex Todd and Anna Todd.

Danny lived in Memphis for his first six years, raised by his loving mother and Great Aunt Lillie. He spent his school years in Pensacola, Florida, where he developed deep connections with a small group of classmates who would become his lifelong friends and often travel cross country to be together in their adult years. His family hosted exchange students during his high school years, and through that he met Ilka Peters of Cologne, Germany, who became like a sister to him. Danny continued to nurture these important relationships throughout his life.

Following a call into ministry, Danny relocated to Fort Worth, Texas after graduating from Georgia State University. He earned master’s degrees in theology, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Religious Education. It was there that he met and married Rene Hardy, who was his wife of 33 years. They moved to Atlanta, where he pursued his advanced degree at Georgia State and where they began their family.

His beloved sons, Jonathan and Joshua, were his greatest joys. He loved watching them play soccer as kids and during their teen years, attending football games with them during their UGA days, traveling with them in their young adult years, and watching them grow into young men. The most unexpected joy in Danny’s life was the birth of his daughter, Emma, who has Down syndrome. She stole his heart from the moment of her arrival, and he continued to be her greatest champion and encourager, allowing her to develop into the confident, capable young woman she is today. Their relationship was truly special, and she misses him with an intensity that defies description.

Danny had an esteemed 27-year career at United Health Group. He was truly one of the “good guys” of health insurance, always looking to find new ways to help people with behavioral health needs. It was important to Danny to help the underserved and to ensure members did not fall through healthcare’s cracks. He paved the way for the organization’s expansion into Medicaid policies and procedures and high-risk care programs. He led with honesty and integrity. Over the course of his career, he supervised hundreds of employees, and without fail, he left an unforgettable mark on their development through his mentorship, wisdom, and kindness. His ready smile and positive example made others feel good to work for him and alongside him. Danny often had the honor of being the smartest person in the room while also being the nicest. He was respected by all and beloved by many.

He spent many years meticulously planning and hosting elaborate friends and family dinners at his home, and these became a weekly staple for remaining connected during and following the pandemic. He loved adding special touches for his guests, which often included nods to their particular likes. He was the glue that kept our family united.

We love you, Danny, and will forever be better for having had you as ours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.thelink.org/nrc-for-suicide-prevention-aftercar.